Blue Planet Foundation Looks Back, Ahead 30 Years

In 1985, Ronald Reagan was president, a first-class stamp cost 20 cents, and gas prices were just starting to fall again after the Iranian oil crisis. In Hawaii, “Magnum P.I.” was in its fifth season, the Polynesian Voyaging Society launched its “Voyage of Discovery,” and the Natural Energy Lab of Hawaii north of Kona was just an ambitious idea. The old Kamaoa Wind Farm had yet to be built, and even solar energy generation was in its early days.

Nobody back then could have imagined where we would be today. On one hand, we remain the most oil dependent state in the nation, spending about $5 billion a year on foreign oil to meet our energy needs. But on the other, we have now set an ambitious goal to run entirely on renewable energy by the year 2045.

That’s 30 years from now. And the Blue Planet Foundation is putting the spotlight on the crossroads at which we stand today. Echoing “Back to the Future Day” last month, the non-profit organization is hosting a time-traveling fundraiser.

“We’re going back 30 years to look ahead 30 years,” reads the invitation, a celebration of the 100 percent renewable energy goal. “A lot can happen in 30 years.”

Attendees are invited to attend the “Back to the Future with Blue Planet Foundation” event dressed as they might have dressed in 1985, or how they think they’ll dress in 2045. There will be light pupus, drinks, games and prizes, and a silent auction. The suggested donation is $15.

The fundraiser will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13 at the foundation’s office in Harbor Court (55 Merchant Street, 17th Floor), which it shares with Blue Startups and Blue Planet Energy. You can RSVP and donate online. Tax-deductable donations go toward the Blue Planet Foundation’s programs to reduce Hawaii’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and increase the state’s energy self-sufficiency.